SERIAN: Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Serian received an assistance of RM100,000 from the state government through Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
The cheque was handed over by Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus to the Pastor Babu Jau and witnessed by few church committee members at the church this morning (Feb 6).
According to Pastor Babu, the much-needed fund would be utilised to upgrade the church as well as the building of the pastor’s quarters.
Looking at the church building and its compound, John advised them to seek for more funds to improve its facilities, adding that he was willing to help them. But they should write officially with proper proposal and application, he pointed out.
“With the ‘Policy of Inclusiveness’ by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government led by our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, I believe the church should move forward so that the church goers are able to enjoy the benefits along with others,” John said.
BEM Serian was amongst the 15 bodies receiving financial assistance from the state government through Unifor for Bukit Semuja constituency for the year 2020.
“Under the first phase, 13 of them were allocated a total of RM1.26mil while the second batch which included BEM Serian would receive a total of RM200,000,” he added.
On the same day, John also continued his walkabout around his constituency to monitor the flood situation.
“As of 11am, the water level in most villages have descended except for Kampung Sebemban, Kampung Tanah Puteh and Kampung Rimba Padi which showed no signs of decreasing.
“Meanwhile, as of 2pm, two temporary evacuation centres at Dewan Kampung Lintang Baru and Balai Raya Betong Kanowit were closed while 11 more centres were still operating with 701 evacuees from 234 families in the Serian division,” he pointed out.
The 11 operating centres are Dewan SK Tebakang, Dewan Kpg Slabi Entukuh, Balai Raya Balek Bak Janjun, Dewan SK Tanah Puteh, Dewan Masyarakat Serian, SK St Patricks Tangga, Dewan Kpg Rimba Padi, Balai Raya Babuk Bandar Ranchan and Dewan Serbaguna Ranchan.
John thanked all those involved directly and indirectly in the process of assisting the flood victims such as the Resident’s office, District office, Police, Civil Defence Force (APM), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), Social Welfare Department (JKM), local councils, Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs), community leaders and people’s representatives.
